Child Support / Paternity

The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office Child Support Division, in conjunction with the Department of Human Services, establishes Paternity and/or child support obligations for families in Grand Traverse County. The Prosecutor’s Office represents the State of Michigan in these matters and not any particular individual party.

Goal
The goal of these cases is to establish paternity and obtain court-ordered child support so children can be financially cared for by their parents. In Michigan, both parents owe a duty to support their child.

To reach this goal, the Prosecutor’s Office assists families who receive public assistance and/or those who request our services by:

Applying the Child Support Formula Guidelines to establish a child support amount

Calling the Department of Human Services Office of Child Support Division at 866-540-0008

Filing cases in Family Court

Gathering income information

Obtaining a court order for child support

Pursuing genetic testing

The Prosecutor’s Office then refers the case to the Friend of the Court who assists families in resolving any custody and parenting time disputes and for any modification and enforcement of the child support order.
Instructions
The following are instructions on starting specific cases or finding information.